Project Angel Food made headlines last week as it broke ground on its new Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Campus in Los Angeles. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Hollywood stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Chuck Lorre himself. The event marked the launch of “Rise to the Challenge: The Campaign to Expand Project Angel Food,” a multi-year campaign aimed at ending food insecurity for critically ill individuals in Los Angeles County. The campaign includes a $51 million expansion and renovation of Project Angel Food’s current Vine Street building, as well as the construction of a new facility next door. The two buildings will be named The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Campus in recognition of the lead gift. Construction is expected to be completed by 2027.
During the ceremony, Chuck Lorre shared a personal connection to Project Angel Food. He revealed that when he was in his early 20s, he was severely ill with ulcerative colitis and in need of a colectomy. However, he had no money or insurance to cover the procedure. Lorre explained that he was fortunate enough to come across the Cedars of Lebanon teaching hospital, where he received an anesthetic-free colonoscopy in front of a classroom of students. But it was an angel who entered his life and put him on a nutrition program that ultimately helped him enter remission. This experience made him realize the importance of food as medicine and motivated him to get involved with Project Angel Food.
Lorre expressed his admiration for Project Angel Food’s approach. He learned that the organization not only provides food delivery but also tailors it to meet individuals’ specific health needs. Inspired by this, he decided to support the organization and become part of their mission to provide food as medicine.
Project Angel Food was founded in 1989 by Marianne Williamson, David Kessler, Ed Rada, Howard Rosenman, and Freddie Weber with the intention of providing meals to people living with HIV/AIDS. Over the years, the organization expanded its services to help all individuals diagnosed with critical, life-threatening illnesses. Sheryl Lee Ralph, a trustee of Project Angel Food, highlighted the early days of the AIDS crisis in her speech during the ceremony. She remembered how her friends were dying without any help, love, or even food. She emphasized the importance of putting people first and how the organization’s dedication to helping those in need can create real change and promote love.
Related Post
Jamie Lee Curtis, an honorary chair for Project Angel Food, also spoke at the ceremony. She referred to an episode from the TV show “The Bear” called “Forks,” which explores the theme of service and the importance of every individual’s contribution. Curtis praised the volunteers of Project Angel Food, emphasizing that their work is just as vital as the chefs and leaders of the organization. She commended their commitment to packing and delivering meals without seeking recognition or glamour.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub, Trisha Cardoso from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and CA State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. Chuck Lorre concluded his remarks with a mix of humor and gratitude. He expressed his appreciation for being part of Project Angel Food and thanked everyone for their presence at the ceremony, eagerly anticipating the future ribbon-cutting event.
The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Campus represents a significant milestone for Project Angel Food. With the expansion and renovation of its current facility and the addition of a new building, the organization will be able to reach even more critically ill individuals in need of food support. As the campaign progresses and construction nears completion in 2027, Project Angel Food will continue its mission to end food insecurity and provide nourishment and support to those facing life-threatening illnesses in Los Angeles County.
